U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $173,924 to the Middle Kentucky Community Action Partnership in Jackson to administer the Head Start program.

“Head Start gives children the boost they need in their formative years,” said Rogers. “Breathitt County Head Start is well deserving of this grant as they provide new opportunities for our children and grandchildren. By reaching out to our young children and providing them with skills they need to excel at school as they grow older, we are raising healthy, well-educated children who grow up ready to work, raise families and lead our region forward.”

Head Start provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. This national initiative also promotes school readiness by enhancing the development of children through educational, health and nutritional services.

The funds go to the Middle Kentucky Community Action Partnership, Inc. which provides various services throughout the region, including Head Start. Their Head Start program services 248 children and families in Breathitt, Lee, and Wolfe Counties, as well as 90 children and families in Owsley County. Middle Kentucky Head Start increases a child’s effectiveness in dealing with present and future responsibilities in school and in life.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district.